A continuation of Chrismo's epic thread, which his family told me just this morning probably kept him going for a year longer than was expected. Therefore it is only right that the thread is not allowed to die along with the old forum.

A continuation of Chrismo's epic thread, which his family told me just this morning probably kept him going for a year longer than was expected. Therefore it is only right that the thread is not allowed to die along with the old forum.

Happy posting, and STAY POSITIVE!!

That bit just shows, as Chrismo would say, "The power of positive thinking"

A continuation of Chrismo's epic thread, which his family told me just this morning probably kept him going for a year longer than was expected. Therefore it is only right that the thread is not allowed to die along with the old forum.

Happy posting, and STAY POSITIVE!!

That bit just shows, as Chrismo would say, "The power of positive thinking"

Nice touch PF-1 Mod... I take my hat off to you

I'm merely the messenger, it's you guys who kept him going for a year.

Can someone, in short, say something about Chrismo? I never happen to open that thread, perhaps some others didn't, too. I feel like I missed something very important.

MrMuttley wrote:

have been hanging about this forum for around four years on and off and judging by the warm memories a lot of you seem to have I probably should recognise the name Chrismo. I do get the impression that he has passed on to watch what ever motorsports they provide for entertainment if the afterlife. To my minor embarrasment I cant recall him.

Anyone care to give me the greatest hits of his time here.

Cheers.

Mike

I originally posted the above in the new and improved doghouse but given the post above I've moved it to here to avoid duplication .

Can someone, in short, say something about Chrismo? I never happen to open that thread, perhaps some others didn't, too. I feel like I missed something very important.

I hope I'm not offending his family or his memory with this reply, but Chrismo was suffering from and having treatment for Cancer. His messages were an inspiration to everyone even though he was having a tough time. His positive thread was a must read whenever you were feeling down; telling us all to stay positive whenever you were going through some stuff. It really helped me and I'm sure many others on occasions.

I'm not going to even try to come close to previous accomplishments or previous members, but I hope to pass along my own thoughts on this matter.

My father's side of the family is cursed with cancer, my father and all of his siblings passed away from cancer. And yes, I have that curse too. I'm now 61, and being forewarned, have gone to my doctor regularly and had the appropriate medical tests. Four years ago I had just five polyps inside my large intestine, all removed. Three years ago we found eight, two years ago twelve, and the trend was obvious. Additional testing confirmed that the latest batch of polyps were very close to becoming cancerous. So after long talks with my doctors and my loved ones, I did the only right thing, and elected to have my large intestine removed as a prophylactic measure, get it out before it almost certainly became a breeding ground for cancer. So I went in for the operation and it seemed to have gone well, I expected to be out within a week. But I was one of those who was on the wrong end of the odds, and due to no fault of the doctors or methods, I developed very serious complications that really messed me up. I won't go into details, but I had a very rough time, and spent months in the hospital and recovery.

It's things like that where you get a serious reality check, and many things come into focus. Life is good, and all the little things you take for granted are blessings. I have a wonderful family, a great wife, and a comfortable life. I wake up and smell the scents from the trees, the chirping of birds, even the sounds of the garbage truck making a racket, it's all good, it's all confirmation that I'm still alive.

Despite all the news that talk about disasters and murders and nasty crap, the world is a wonderful place with wonderful people. It's just that it doesn't make good news, and we are rarely reminded of good deeds or acts of kindness. What seemed important at the time suddenly pales into insignificance when I realize that the world won't end just because I can't make payments on my microwave this month.

I've been there, been to the Gates of Hell and back, and trust me, it's much nicer up here.

I'm not going to even try to come close to previous accomplishments or previous members, but I hope to pass along my own thoughts on this matter.

My father's side of the family is cursed with cancer, my father and all of his siblings passed away from cancer. And yes, I have that curse too. I'm now 61, and being forewarned, have gone to my doctor regularly and had the appropriate medical tests. Four years ago I had just five polyps inside my large intestine, all removed. Three years ago we found eight, two years ago twelve, and the trend was obvious. Additional testing confirmed that the latest batch of polyps were very close to becoming cancerous. So after long talks with my doctors and my loved ones, I did the only right thing, and elected to have my large intestine removed as a prophylactic measure, get it out before it almost certainly became a breeding ground for cancer. So I went in for the operation and it seemed to have gone well, I expected to be out within a week. But I was one of those who was on the wrong end of the odds, and due to no fault of the doctors or methods, I developed very serious complications that really messed me up. I won't go into details, but I had a very rough time, and spent months in the hospital and recovery.

It's things like that where you get a serious reality check, and many things come into focus. Life is good, and all the little things you take for granted are blessings. I have a wonderful family, a great wife, and a comfortable life. I wake up and smell the scents from the trees, the chirping of birds, even the sounds of the garbage truck making a racket, it's all good, it's all confirmation that I'm still alive.

Despite all the news that talk about disasters and murders and nasty crap, the world is a wonderful place with wonderful people. It's just that it doesn't make good news, and we are rarely reminded of good deeds or acts of kindness. What seemed important at the time suddenly pales into insignificance when I realize that the world won't end just because I can't make payments on my microwave this month.

I've been there, been to the Gates of Hell and back, and trust me, it's much nicer up here.

Glad you made it through Blinky that cannot have been an easy decision to make and I´m sorry to hear it did not go so well for you at first.

Thankyou for sharing what the horrendous experience taught you, I´m so lucky to have only had to realise these things second hand

It´s true what you say just being alive is the greatest thing and we seem, as humans, to be almost programmed to find other stuff to cloud that fact (worries about getting to meetings on time etc etc.)

Gonna put that into practice and take a break from studying right now, can´t go for a bike ride by the sea so I will have to make do with a jam sandwich and a cup of tea until tomorrow:lol:

I'm almost envious of you youngsters. As mentioned, I'm 61 and have watched racing before I hit puberty. I've witnessed a lot of stuff you guys talk about, and it was definitely fun doing it. But I also know that the next great race is always around the corner. And you guys will be able to witness greatness, now and for many years to come. If I live to be a hundred I'll get in another forty years, but you guys, you guys have your whole lives ahead to see great stuff. You are going to witness change, and weird and surprising technology, you are going to see great drivers show up as young men and stamp their persona on the great history of Formula One. It's going to happen, and you so and so's are the lucky ones.

Personal memories are weird, the brain remembers all kinds of weird stuff, and for the craziest reasons. I'm one of those who believes in making lots of memories, of doing all kind of stuff. It's funny, that today some great memories are of the harshest stuff. I remember slogging through deep snowbanks in the coldest weather. It sure wasn't fun when it happened, but now that I look back, I smile. I remember leading a wild party at the inside of turn two at Mosport one race weekend, we had a huge bonfire, mega loud sound system, and a lot of booze. I remember seeing Gilles Villeneuve for the first time, putting on a display of aggression and skill that captivated and enthralled everyone at the track that day.

You guys have your whole lives in front of you, and all of you are destined to see great things happen someday. And it won't be just once, but many many times each year it will happen. Keep your eyes open and a smile on your face, good things are always around the corner.

Thanks for that Blinky. It brings home just how important our health is.

I'm the same generation as you (I'm 55), but conversely, have never spent a night in hospital in my life. That's a positive, right? The rest of my life's a bit rubbish at times, but I bet there are a lot of well off but ill people would swap positions with me, if they had the chance. So I should, and do, count my blessings.

Reading your post reminded me of an advertising campaign that Kit Kat had a few years ago here in the UK (which, I suppose also ties in with your comment about the randomness of memories, lol). There were roadside billboards, which simply had the words:- "Nobody lies on their death bed thinking 'I should have worked harder' ". Remember that, all our younger members, and make sure you do things you enjoy, for as long as you can.

Argentum, I enjoyed a very robust and healthy body most of my life. I'm above average in size and weight, and have done mainly physical work all my life, from being a sailor to miner to construction worker, been there, done that. I used to be the one who would drink until the sun came up, and then go to work. But eventually we all slow down, and that's when what we took for granted suddenly becomes important.

Such things as just going to the crapper, or being able to take your clothes off and jump into a shower, or even enjoy food, all that was denied to me for months while I was laying in a hospital bed with hoses and tubes coming out of me.

But you know what, that after all that crap and hardship, the changes to my life, I consider it just a temporary setback. I'm back on my feet and working, and getting healthier and stronger each day. Life goes on, and as long as I can, I will too.

I only have 3 more weeks in Wales, then I'm home for Easter and I can give my sister a huge hug again. Can't wait

I'm performing in a play I co-wrote on Sunday, then I have a week of no lectures [although I have to write 2000 words in that time!], then a fortnight of lectures and that's it. During which time there are 2 Grands Prix, which means two race reports for me to write, and 2 editions of Tufty's Shack. Visit http://www.fofassociation.com/features.php?id=206 to see what that's all about!

All in all, a great month for me

[Since this is the positive thread, I'm ignoring the fact that yesterday, the first of March, marked 2 years since my girlfriend's death].

_________________Organiser of the single most low-tech Robot Wars tournament in history, PM for details!

Argentum, I enjoyed a very robust and healthy body most of my life. I'm above average in size and weight, and have done mainly physical work all my life, from being a sailor to miner to construction worker, been there, done that. I used to be the one who would drink until the sun came up, and then go to work. But eventually we all slow down, and that's when what we took for granted suddenly becomes important.

Such things as just going to the crapper, or being able to take your clothes off and jump into a shower, or even enjoy food, all that was denied to me for months while I was laying in a hospital bed with hoses and tubes coming out of me.

But you know what, that after all that crap and hardship, the changes to my life, I consider it just a temporary setback. I'm back on my feet and working, and getting healthier and stronger each day. Life goes on, and as long as I can, I will too.

Keep it going Blinky, you'll get there. Like you I did a great deal of physical labour in my life hanging off poles & pylons in all kinds of weather. Also enjoyed robust health for the greater part of my life.I'm 68 now & about 6 years ago I had 5 vertebrae collapse in my back which knocked me back for quite a bit.When I was ready to go again, nobody wanted me, so I tried to get my own thing going.Along with this & some family issues I got quite wound up & decided to have a big old heart attack.Anyway, they did a plumbing job on me & I am still here & kicking & feel pretty good.I am retired & on an old age pension.

There is a thing I turn to, to make me feel more positive about things.I passed it to Tufty in another post.It can be read on the internet & is called Desiderata.

_________________Champions are made from something they have deep inside of them - a desire, a dream, a vision. They have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have the skill & the will but the will must be stronger than the skill. Muhammad Ali

been out of contract for almost 5 months. never have known the industry so bad ( though i will not watch jeremy kyle).anyway, about to sign for peru.

off to build a hydro power project up in the andes can't wait to get out there, cant wait to get stuck into the culture and equally as important,

i cannot wait to put an invoice in

Congrats!

I'm really happy because I made it one step closer to becoming a firefighter. Had some issues with my current job so I had to call the boss at the firestation and tell him I probably couldn't go on to do further tests. I thought my dream was over, but he said he would talk to some people and see if he couldn't make it work because everything up until now looked really good. Still a long way to go, but I'll make it happen.

been out of contract for almost 5 months. never have known the industry so bad ( though i will not watch jeremy kyle).anyway, about to sign for peru.

off to build a hydro power project up in the andes can't wait to get out there, cant wait to get stuck into the culture and equally as important,

i cannot wait to put an invoice in

Congrats!

I'm really happy because I made it one step closer to becoming a firefighter. Had some issues with my current job so I had to call the boss at the firestation and tell him I probably couldn't go on to do further tests. I thought my dream was over, but he said he would talk to some people and see if he couldn't make it work because everything up until now looked really good. Still a long way to go, but I'll make it happen.

Hmm, sounds interesting, I can drive or operate anything. But I draw the line at skid loaders, they lurch a lot and bang my head against the roll cage. Just call me lumpy.... lol

Hey, I just have to buy a lottery ticket tonight, I played solitaire, and won three out of four games...

I'm off work next week, and I'm thinking of going downtown and riding the elevators of those huge buildings full of serious office types. Just pull out the old smart phone, bring up my favorite app, Whoopee Cushion, hold it in my hand and hide it behind my body, and press it until security comes after me... he he

edit: and blinky, i just read your post further up. I think people like you are very brave and full of life which is a tonic to others

Thanks TG, but I don't think of myself in such a manner. I was in a situation where the decisions were simple, and unavoidable. The fun part is what I have mentioned in my previous post was just chapter one of maybe a ten chapter book. And the truly nasty crap happened later. Real nasty. I'll get into a bit of chapter two just to continue the philosophy of "just hang in there, it will get better". Even that was mild stuff compared to what happened later.

After the initial operation massive infection set in because a leak developed in my intestine. The doctors gave me a CAT scan and two hours later I was in emergency surgery. This one wasn't neat and clean, it was more like Freddy Kruger with a chain saw. And during the operation I lost vital signs twice, and they had to bring me back. I'll get to that later. When I woke up I thought I was on the battleship Bismarck, that's how f--ked up I was. I spent a few days in intensive care, but my white blood count remained high, and I since the doctors suspected more infection, back to the CAT scan machine. They discovered two massive pools of infection near and under my liver, and decided to install drains right there and then. The doctor set up an impromptu operating theater right there and froze my side just like a doctor, and started to punch this probe into my side. Since it was near my liver, he had to stop every few centimeters, leave, have the CAT machine scan me, check the route, and continue on. It had to be done somewhere about five times for each probe/drain, and took almost an hour.

And the point? Sometimes you're in a situation that you just have to endure. You can cry and wallow in self pity, or just grit your teeth, and tell yourself that one day it will get better.

In this wonderful world there is little I can control. I can't control how others feel and think, heck, I can't even control my wife's mouth (jk). But what I can control is how I deal and act. That is the one thing I can control, how I think, what I say, how I feel.

Now, I mentioned that I died twice in the operating room, and for some, a very good reason to freakout. How do I look at it? I get a free Birthday.

Not many people get the chance to celebrate their birthday, and now I have the opportunity to demand sex twice a year from my wife, oops, I mean, have a party. (just joking... )

There's an old saying that "every cloud has a silver lining", and the idea is to seek out and latch onto the positive aspects, instead of perpetually going over and over the pain and crap. What happened happened, but how I deal with it and place it in my memory is something I control, and instead of feeling sorry for myself, I choose to enjoy life.

I've bought Sky, Have a mate down south for a few days & cracking on with some rather cool looking 3D scenes for said mate's little movie he's making for less than £100 & for the potential ability of selling created images starting to look very promising....